Probe Focuses On Death Of West Chicago Baby

November 24, 1992|By Art Barnum.

Illinois and Du Page County law enforcement officials were investigating the death of a 2-month-old West Chicago infant whose brothers had been placed in a foster home after reports that they had been abused at home.

Edgardo Avalos, born on Sept. 20, died on Nov. 15, after being treated at Central Du Page Hospital, Winfield, for head injuries that included a skull fracture. He was taken to the hospital on Nov. 4 by paramedics who were summoned by his parents, Benjamin and Emma Avalos.

The parents have been interviewed about what happened before they summoned medical aid, but no criminal charges have been filed against anyone thus far.

Officials from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the Du Page County State`s Attorney`s Office and the West Chicago Police were all involved in the investigation.

Edward McManus, a DCFS spokesman, confirmed Monday that the infant`s two brothers, Sammy, 2, and Vidal, 1, had previously been placed in a Glen Ellyn foster home while DCFS was looking into reports they might have been subjected to abuse in their home.

McManus said that although the state attempted to have the infant placed in the same foster home at that time, the request was turned down by Du Page County Judge Roy Lawrence because there had been no allegations involving abuse of the infant.

However, after the infant was treated at the hospital for the head injuries, McManus said, Edgardo was taken on Nov. 12 to the same Glen Ellyn foster home where his brothers were living. He died there three days later.